MUMBAI:  The 44th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) got underway with Hollywood star Susan Sarandon lighting the ceremonial lamp on 20 November.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by actors as well as officials which included the likes of Kamal Hasan, Waheeda Rahman, information and broadcasting secretary Bimal Jhulka, information and publicity (Goa government) minister Milind Naik, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar and union minister of state for information and broadcasting (ind. charge) Manish Tewari.
Waheeda Rehman was honoured with the first Centanary Award at the event

Speaking on the occasion, Jhukla said: “We are promoting India as a filming destination and to encourage foreign film makers to come to India we are setting up a single window clearance system”.

The top official also said that over Rs 600 crore will be invested on the National Film Heritage Mission. Asia contributes to half of the world’s film production and half of it comes from India, he added.

Asha Bhosle, who spoke on the occasion, said that she herself hailed from Goa and expressed her debt to the film industry. “I sang my first song when I was 10. I have been singing since then. The film line has given us so much,” the legendary singer said.

Susan Sarandon, who won an Academy award for her role in the film ‘Dead Man Walking’, among several other Oscar award nominations, said that she was looking forward to spending her time in Goa appreciating films and the place.

“India has produced so many films rich in history of cinema. I am looking forward to meeting artists and seeing film,” the actress said.